US Approves AMRAAM, Sidewinder Missile Sale to Japan

The US State Department has approved the sale of AMRAAM and Sidewinder missiles to Japan.

A total of 120 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) have been approved for sale for an estimated $224 million.

Another potential sale includes 44 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II short-range air-to-air missiles for an estimated $59 million.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a press release.

RTX Corporation is the principal contractor for both sales.

Raytheon conducted the first flight test of the international variant of the AMRAAM recently.

Part of Raytheon’s Form, Fit, Function Refresh program, the missile features upgraded circuit cards and processors in its guidance section for enhanced performance.

Moreover, it has a greater escape zone than the earlier variants.

The missile is designed for air-to-air and surface attack and surface launch roles, with an estimated range of over 10 miles (16 kilometers).

It uses a datalink, thrust vectoring maneuverability, and an advanced imaging infrared seeker to strike targets during air-to-air battles.